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Dartmouth College vs Rivier University

Dartmouth College is a private college in Hanover, NH. Rivier University is a private university in Nashua, NH. Dartmouth College admits about 5% of applicants and Rivier University about 83%, making Dartmouth College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $28,082 a year at Rivier University after aid, and about $29,519 at Dartmouth College. About 96% of students graduate at Dartmouth College, compared with 55% at Rivier University. Ten years after enrolling, Dartmouth College alumni earn a median of about $97,434, against $52,248 for Rivier University.

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Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH · Private

Rivier University

Nashua, NH · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Hanover, NH
Nashua, NH
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
4,541
1,231
Acceptance rate
5%
83%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.55–4
3.38–3.88
SAT (middle 50%)
1500–1570
1055–1175
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
Not reported
Test policy
Required
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$29,519
$28,082
Full cost / yr
$87,793
$53,499
In-state tuition
$68,268
$39,488
Out-of-state tuition
$68,268
$39,488
Application fee
$80
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$41
$23,321
$30k - $48k
$489
$23,978
$48k - $75k
$2,695
$25,106
$75k - $110k
$8,534
$27,352
Over $110k
$52,036
$31,359
Outcomes
Graduation rate
96%
55%
Freshman retention
98%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$82,541
$54,599
Median earnings (10 yr)
$97,434
$52,248
Median debt at graduation
$17,500
$26,956
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
28%
First-generation students
17%
37%
International students
15%
0%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Nov 15
Regular decision
Jan 1
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Dartmouth College or Rivier University harder to get into?
Dartmouth College is harder to get into. It admits about 5% of applicants, compared with 83% at Rivier University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Dartmouth College or Rivier University?
Rivier University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $28,082 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $29,519 at Dartmouth College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Dartmouth College and Rivier University?
Before aid, Rivier University costs about $53,499 a year and Dartmouth College about $87,793. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Dartmouth College or Rivier University?
Dartmouth College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $41 there, against about $23,321 at Rivier University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Dartmouth College or Rivier University?
Dartmouth College is the larger of the two, with about 4,541 undergraduates against 1,231 at Rivier University.
Does Dartmouth College or Rivier University have a better graduation rate?
Dartmouth College has the higher graduation rate, at about 96% against 55% at Rivier University.
Do graduates of Dartmouth College or Rivier University earn more?
Dartmouth College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $97,434 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,248 for Rivier University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Dartmouth College and Rivier University require SAT or ACT scores?
Dartmouth College requires SAT or ACT scores. Rivier University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Dartmouth College and Rivier University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1500–1570 at Dartmouth College and 1055–1175 at Rivier University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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Which of these is the better fit for you?

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1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school